Bonnie L. First, 83, of Wooster passed away on Friday, March 8, 2024 at the Wayne County Care Center.
She was born February 25, 1941 in Wooster the daughter of Clarence and Mildred Hartzler Leiner. Her mother preceded her in death when Bonnie was very young and she was blessed by a very special neighbor, Mary McDonald, who called her daughter and was known as Grandma Mary. Bonnie visited her yearly in Florida and visited with her on the phone almost daily.
Bonnie was a 1959 graduate of Wooster High School where she met her high school sweetheart, Russell S. First. They were married on June 18, 1961. He preceded her in death on December 22, 2014.
She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, where she taught the 2 year old Sunday School class. Bonnie was a 50 year member of the Union Grange, where she was well known for baking the homemade pies for the Grange Hall at the Wayne County Fair. It was not uncommon for her to bake at least 100 pies a night. She was also a member of the District Seven Holstein Club, Wayne County Farm Bureau, Wayne Township Housekeepers Club and Beta Sigma Phi. Bonnie was a full time homemaker and babysat in her home for many years. She assisted her husband, Russell on their dairy farm, Firsthaven Farm.
Bonnie also volunteered at Wooster Community Hospital with the Women’s Auxiliary, often greeting people in the surgery waiting room and later in the gift shop running the cash register. As her children grew up, she volunteered with the Wayne County Dairy Promoters, 4-H, FFA, cooking meals or baking for sports teams and band parents and serving on the AG Mechanics Board at The Wayne County Schools Career Center.
She is survived by her children Shelly (Dale) Graham Norris of Wooster, Connie (David) Gessmann of Shreve, Greg First and Rusty W. (Jody Miller) First both of Wooster; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; sister Doris (Marlin) Yoder of Hollsopple, PA.
Along with her husband, Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Arlene Gilmore, Donna Brammer and Carol Leiner; infant son Jeffery First; infant grandson Joshua Gessmann and son-in-law Thomas E. Graham.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 12:00 PM at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster. Interment will follow in Wooster Cemetery.
Friends will be received one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
A special thank you to the staff of Wayne County Care Center and Dr. Jordan Garrison for their exceptional care.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be directed to Wayne County Care Center, 876 S. Geyers Chapel Rd., Wooster, OH 44691 or to Wooster Community Hospital Auxiliary, 1761 Beall Ave., Wooster, OH 44691.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
I am saddened to read this, Bonnie was just the sweetest person to care for several years ago…always smiling and giggling. Heaven has gained a very special Angel Thoughts and prayers for her family and friends
Bonnie and I went to school together from 5th grade. Had a lot of
good times.
Connie and family, I am very sorry to read about your mom. Let me tell you about my experience with her. I met her at the Wayne County Fair a few years ago. I was sitting on a bench outside the coliseum, eating a sandwich. Along came this lady and asked if she could share my bench with me. Of course I didn’t mind. We chatted about the fair… nothing very deep. But as she sat there I was amazed at the number of people who came up to her and knew her and talked to her about the fair, her family and home. I didn’t know anyone could go to the fair and know so many people in such a short time… AND then I read her obituary… the lady I shared the bench with DID know everyone! And I didn’t know at the time that I knew her daughter! Connie, God bless your family and Bonnie-thanks for sharing the bench!
Shelly,Connie, Greg,Rusty and families: my deepest sympathy on the loss of your Mother. I have know Bonnie and her sisters from grade school on thru the years.We always had loads of fun at Girl Scouts,school functions and school. Was so sad to watch her decline these past years. May you find peace knowing she is with Dad now & in the arms of our Lord.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
I want to express my deepest sympathy to Shelly, Connie, Greg, Rusty and your families. I was in Beta Sigma Phi sorority with Bonnie. Heaven has gained a sweet, smiling angel. Sending healing thoughts and warm hugs during this difficult time.
Shelly and family, please accept my sincere condolences to you at this time. Your mom was such a wonderful woman with a beautiful smile not to mention beautiful nails.. 😊 I have fond memories of her volunteering in the hospital gift shop. I will be keeping you in my thoughts.
Bonnie and her sisters baby sat my sister and me when we were little. We attended Zion church together for years. Then we were both in the dairy business so many years of crossing paths. Mary and I are thinking her family.
Shelly & family,
My thoughts & prayers are with you. I always enjoyed talking with your mom, first at WCH in the gift shop & then at the Care Center. We shared a lot of laughs together. May the good Lord comfort you during this difficult time.
Shelly, Connie, Greg and Rusty — So sorry to read about the loss of your mother Bonnie. Jim and I so enjoyed your mom and dad’s visits to our place and the vacations that we were able to take together. So much fun – so much adventure. And then to find out that Jim and Bonnie were actually cousins. Heaven has certainly gained one of the good ones and I would imagine that Bonnie, Russell and Jim have had some good conversations. Sympathy to all of you from the Deneke family.
Bonnie was such a sweet and charming classmate. She was a ray of sunshine.
Greg- so sorry for your loss. I pray that the Lord blesses you and your family with strength and grace in this difficult time. I cherish those days when we worked together and supported each other in a time of transition. Stay safe and keep well my friend. Ed Marshall
To Bonnie’s Family and Friends, Our deepest sympathies go out to you. May God, and the many good memories, sustain you; now and also in the future.. Our thoughts and prayers are for you and your families. Sincere condolences from Art Beerys, Smithville, Ohio
So Sorry for your loss I knew the Leiner family back in the !950 in Wooster they were all special
kind always had a smile My Prayers are for All. God Bless All. Norma (Beery) Spence Hudson, Ohio
So sorry to hear this First family!! Praying for comfort for all of you .
Godspeed dear Bonnie. Bonnie and Russell were salt of the earth and taught me how to really work. My summers working at the farm bring back fond memories. My heartfelt sympathy to the First Family.